9 (105 ж).
June 16, 1902

I have just received your letter 1). I propose the following: an *ultimatum* is sent in the name of the three of us — either the article goes through without alterations, reservations, and Plekhanov's objections, or the issue of *Zarya* is held up in printing and we three raise the question of a *split*, of a divergence. This method of action is both more rational and formally impeccable than the obstructionism of Plekhanov's article that you proposed. After all, retroactively it would be strange (and might even seem unattractive) to hold up an article that was not objected to before, and conversely — it is not strange at all and entirely natural that the whole machine grinds to a halt once the three of us raise the question of a divergence. It seems to me, and I believe you will agree with me, that you will abandon your form of obstruction. Of course, *Zarya* without Plekhanov (and perhaps without other members of the Group for the Emancipation of Labor) will be a very meager *Zarya*, but there is nothing else to be done, and it is better to go *directly* to this meagerness than to continue draining our nerves and strength. However — I have a hunch — that Plekhanov will yield at the decisive moment.

I am writing the same thing to Berg [Martov] and Vera Ivanovna [Zasulich]. Practically, my proposal is this: the three of us send immediately a detailed and well-reasoned ultimatum; it remains only to carefully think through its text. Write back quickly whether you agree with my proposal and, in general, what you are undertaking.

I shake your hand firmly.

Your ...

1) Lenin's letter is unknown to us.

A. N. POTRESOV — V. I. LENIN.